Jenny Sanford wants psych exam for US Rep. Sanford

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Jenny Sanford wants a family court judge to order U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford to undergo psychiatric and psychological evaluations and take anger management and parenting courses in the latest filing in the couple's contentious divorce.

She also wants the court to appoint an impartial guardian to look after the interests of the youngest of their four sons.

Mark Sanford, then South Carolina governor, disappeared for five days in 2009 only to return from Argentina to acknowledge an affair with a woman to whom he is now engaged. Jenny Sanford soon sued for divorce, which was granted in 2010.

The couple has four sons, ranging in age from 15 to 22.

Last year, Mark Sanford was again elected to South Carolina's 1st District congressional seat that he held for three terms in the 1990s.

In an Aug. 28 court filing, Jenny Sanford's attorneys note "there has been a substantial change of circumstances such that a visitation schedule should be put in place that limits defendant's visitation with the minor child."

A separate filing asks the court record concerning issues relating to their youngest be sealed. It said the circumstances requiring a change in visitation will then be outlined in an amended complaint filed once that is done.

"I have no comment on this private matter other than to say that the restraints and other relief requested are common or standard practices frequently requested to protect minor children in similar custody situations," Jenny Sanford said in an email Tuesday. "The court has been asked to apply the standard restraints to both of us."

The Associated Press also left phone messages with Mark Sanford seeking comment.

The court motion said both Sanfords should be restrained from exposing their youngest son overnight to a member of the opposite sex "who could reasonably be construed as a paramour."

It also said the couple should also be restrained from making disparaging comments about each other in front of their son and from being under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol while caring for him.

"It is the defendant's behavior that has led the plaintiff to needing to bring this action in the best interests of the minor child," the motion said.

The motion asking to seal the record notes the while both Sanfords are in the public eye "this factor should not outweigh the best interests of the child at issue or outweigh all other considerations."

In July a family court judge ordered the couple to work with a mediator to resolve a dispute over putting more money in the trust funds of their two youngest sons. The accounts set up for their older boys at the time of the divorce were larger because they were closer to college.

Last year, the Sanfords settled another complaint that Sanford violated the divorce agreement by being in his ex-wife's home without permission. He said he was there watching the 2013 Super Bowl with his son.